Share!

by
Megan Mazurek

Gallery

A 275-pound walrus is stable after arriving at the SeaLife Center from Barrow on July 22nd.

The male walrus calf was the first of three calves rescued; one of which has died and another which remains in critical condition. ASLF staff are caring for the calf.

Veterinarians say it is difficult stabilizing a young marine calf because many times it does not have a strong enough immune system aided by its mother's milk to survive.

The healthy calf has been placed in the I.Sea.U critical care unit. It's an area where staff can maintain a stricter quarantine to help it recover and interact with caregivers.

According to a press release, the heightened concern for strict quarantine followed the designation of an Unusual Mortality Event (UME) in 2011. Residents were finding ringed and bearded seals with skin legions, hair loss, and appeared lethargic. Initially, the animals were tested for radiation poisoning just in case toxins from the Fukushima Nuclear Plant had made it to Alaska's waters. Those tests came back negative.

The comment has been submitted for review. Thank you .

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 1000 Characters Left

Coastal Television | AK News, Weather and Sports | and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.